What's it like to work at Nickelodeon? Want to learn more about unscripted TV? This month, Mandel Ilagan AB '99 (Web Heads, React to That, Paradise Run) leads our masterclass on live-action (unscripted) development. In addition to introducing his own path into the industry, Mandel will discuss:

(1) the idea—coming up with it and where to get inspiration;

(2) the pitch meeting—preparing for it and what to do/not to do; and

(3) the development process—so you have a network that likes your idea...what happens next?

Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions in the final Q&A portion of the program.

NEW: There will be a pre-event mixer around the corner from the LAFS at St. Felix Hollywood (1602 N. Cahuenga Boulevard) from 5:30 - 7:00pm. Join us before the event to introduce yourself to fellow Harvardwood members, as well as incoming/current Harvard College students and their parents. The mixer is free to attend / cash bar.

Masterclasses are only open to dues-current Harvardwood Full Members. You must be logged in to the site to access the RSVP link below. Join or renew your membership.

Mandel Ilagan AB '99
VP, Live-Action Development (Unscripted) at Nickelodeon

MANDEL ILAGAN is the VP of unscripted development at Nickelodeon, where he’s helped launch the hit series “Paradise Run” and the eagerly anticipated special "JoJo Siwa: My World."  This aficionado of game shows and reality shows was a VP of Harvard-Radcliffe Television (HRTV) where he hosted and produced the game show "Survey Says!" and produced the sketch comedy show "TCR." 

After graduating from Harvard, he moved to L.A. and soon after was a question writer on the Fox game show “Greed.”  Over a career that’s spanned over 18 years, he’s been a development executive at FremantleMedia where he created the game “1/2 Off” for “The Price is Right.” He also helped launch the Fox Reality Channel as one of its execs and he developed and produced the Emmy-winning Hub game show “Family Game Night” as an exec for Hasbro Studios.  In addition to his TV work, he plays piano and is a keyboardist for The Remotes, a TV theme cover band that has served as the house band for the Daytime Emmy Awards.

NOTE: Harvardwood is instituting a new late-arrival policy. Those who arrive over 15 minutes past the event's listed starting time will not be admitted.